It’s time to break free from convention and propel both yourself and your career to new heights. While the phrase “think outside the box” may be somewhat overused, it’s a label for those who often emerge as innovators, a highly desirable trait in both personal and professional spheres. Following the crowd is easy and secure, but real leaders defy trends rather than trailing behind.
So, why is it often a challenge to think beyond the boundaries of convention? Many of us have found ourselves in meetings where we were encouraged to “think outside the box.” The issue is that we are creatures of habit, and we tend to gravitate towards familiar routines. Thinking outside the box involves questioning long-held beliefs. It means responding with curiosity, not conformity, when faced with “These are our best practices.”
Many companies shy away from risks that might impact their profits negatively, even though there are numerous success stories illustrating that some risks not only pay off but yield substantial rewards. For instance, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was once ousted by the company’s board of directors. Yet, when Apple acquired the NeXT operating system his team created, Jobs returned as CEO, and the company’s stock value skyrocketed by 9,000 percent during his tenure.
Despite the potential for failure and rejection, taking risks is vital for personal and business growth. However, while we are frequently told to think outside the box, we’re seldom instructed on how to do it.
Here are some strategies to help you cultivate innovative thinking:
1. See Through a Child’s Eyes: Children possess vivid imaginations, making them natural innovators.
2. Simplify Complex Problems: If you can explain a complex issue in simple terms, you might uncover innovative solutions.
3. Start from Scratch: Imagine you’re beginning anew without being tied to past practices.
4. Ask “Why”: Challenge the status quo by questioning why things are done in a certain way.
5. Sharpen Your Mental Skills: Try exercises like alphabetizing letters in words, avoiding the letter E in conversation, or rapidly adding one-digit numbers in your head.
6. Learn Something New: Acquiring new skills can help you view your existing abilities from a fresh perspective.
7. Freewriting: Write without interruption, with a timer adding some pressure, encouraging creative thinking.
8. Embrace Art: You don’t need to be an artist; simply pick up any drawing tools and tap into a different part of your brain. It can liberate your thoughts.
9. Create Mindmaps: Start with a word or phrase, draw circles around related ideas, and repeat. This practice unlocks creative ideas.
10. Take a Stroll: A Stanford study shows that walking enhances creativity, both during the walk and for a short while afterward.
These techniques can guide you in escaping conventional thinking and exploring new horizons.